Waterloo Region & Guelph

GrantLocal program

Community Improvement Plan grants

The Township of Wellesley offers 9 grant programs under its Community Improvement Plan, updated in 2025. They cover fees, studies, façades and signs, building and accessibility work, conversions, extra housing units, agri-tourism, placemaking and sustainability. Owners, and tenants with the owner's consent, can apply.

Amount
$500 to $7,500 per project or property depending on the program, up to $10,000 for priority sites
Status
Open nowThe township says it is now accepting applications. No closing date is stated; the application form says funding is first come, first served up to each year's budget.
Type
Fixed-amount grants (9 programs)
Run by
Township of Wellesley
Where
Wellesley
Checked on
Nov 13, 2026

Who it's for

  • Property owners in the township
  • Tenants, with the owner's written consent
  • The application form says it's for eligible owners and tenants throughout the township

Not for

  • Projects where work doesn't start within 6 months of approval may lose their funding
  • Only one application per address

What it covers

  • Planning and building permit fee rebate: up to $2,500
  • Design and study grant: up to $2,500 ($5,000 priority sites)
  • Façade, signage and landscape grant: up to $5,000 ($10,000 priority sites or corner lots)
  • Building and accessibility grant: up to $2,500 ($7,500 priority sites)
  • Commercial and housing conversion or expansion grant: up to $7,500 ($10,000 priority sites)
  • Additional dwelling unit grant: up to $5,000 (Wellesley and St. Clements areas)
  • Agri-tourism grant: up to $5,000
  • Placemaking and pedestrian grant: up to $2,500
  • Sustainability top-up grant: $500

How to apply

  1. Talk to township staff first to confirm the program is available this round
  2. Fill in the 2025 CIP application form
  3. Include photos, drawings or sketches, and 2 independent contractor estimates
  4. Tenants add a signed letter from the owner
  5. After the work, send invoices and proof of payment; the township inspects before paying

Good to know

  • The township says program availability is decided each year, so confirm a program is open at the pre-consultation meeting.
  • The page doesn't define "priority sites", and it's unclear whether priority sites and corner lots are one tier or two for the façade grant.
  • The page gives no percentage of costs; each program has a fixed maximum.
  • Funding approval lapses if the work isn't signed off within 12 months of the funding agreement.
  • The township may ask for money back if an applicant breaks the program terms.
  • The application form says the committee allocates the funds, and the maximum grant may not always be available for each project.

Questions

Is there a deadline?

No deadline is stated. The township says it is accepting applications, and the form says they're handled first come, first served until that year's funding is used up.

Can a tenant apply?

Yes, with written consent from the registered owner, according to the application form.

When is the grant paid?

After the project is finished. You send invoices and proof of payment, the township inspects the work, and payment follows if it's approved.

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